POTSDAM -- Potsdam Central School voters Tuesday approved the 2017-18 school budget that will restore several positions and elected three school board members, including one of two write-in candidates.

The Potsdam Central School District budget passed 465-107, according to PCS Superintendent Joann Chambers. The projected budget this year is $32,441,420.

“I am grateful for the community's support of the Potsdam Central School District budget,” Chambers said.

The proposed tax levy is $12,828,980, which is an increase of .4 percent from $12,776,517, during the 2016-17 school year. The .4 percent increase will raise $52,463 for the school.

The proposition to purchase two buses also passed with a 499-72 vote, Chambers said.

“The vote was overwhelmingly positive, and that is a great tribute to the belief our community has in the importance of education,” she said. We are committed to providing innovative, diverse, and challenging opportunities that foster every student's success. We could not realize that vision without the support of our community.”

Three people were elected in the Board of Election vote. Jared Carey received the most votes, garnering 441 votes. Finishing second was incumbent Christopher Cowen who tallied 376 votes, followed by write-in candidate Keith Sapp with 296.

In fourth place with 142 votes was write-in Joshua Fiske.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with incumbent Christoper Cowen as well as our newest Board of Education members, Jared Carey and Keith Sapp,” Chambers said. “I am confident in our ability to work together to ensure all voices are heard as we work to provide the very best education for every child in the Potsdam Central School District.”

Long-time board members Wade Davis and Fred Stone did not seek reelection this year.

“I would also like to thank Mr. Wade Davis and Mr. Fred Stone for their service on the Board of Education,” the superintendent said. “They both were consistent in their efforts to always put what was best for students at the center of all decisions.”